She Is
by sick-atxxheart
Inspired by HedwigBlack's Weekly Challenge at HPFC.
She's the clumsy to your composed, the words to your unspoken glares, and the heartbeat that best matches yours.
She's pink hair and big smiles and unabashed giggles, and you're just the greasy Potions master from the dungeons. And yet here she is.
The love you share is awkward and stilted and horribly imperfect and yet it is yours.
It's only one more rule broken when she visits you at Hogwarts, taken her chosen seat in your lab and watching you work. Her eyes – what color are they today? – follow you everywhere, searching, questioning.
Around her, you always speak more than you intend to. She is the first person who truly knows everything.
The only excuse you can think of is that love makes you do crazy things.
"When will he call you next, Severus?" She whispers, her fist knocking impatiently against the table. You sigh.
"I do not know," You answer honestly. "Next week, perhaps. The Dark Lord's desires remain remarkably… unscheduled."
She nods. "And you will let me know beforehand?"
You dip your head. "As always." Her concern for you is touching and frightening at the same time.
She smiles, then. "I will be here."
Remarkably – and unsurprisingly, at this point – she is there when you return. You're shaking, your body wracking with the aftereffects of the Cruciatus, your mind still rushing with fear and pain and terror.
It is calming when she pulls you into her arms.
Next, as always, are the words. "You are a brave, brave man," she whispers. "If only the others knew what you are doing, what you have done." Each time, she leans up and kisses you. "I am proud of you, Severus. Thank you."
That simple affirmation – gratitude, what a strange phenomenon – is enough to get you through.
As is the feeling of her love, so simple and heartbreakingly honest. Never had you imagined you could love someone like her, and have her love you back – but she had been persistent in her attentions. She's as stubborn as you are, and she usually gets what she wants.
You had been shocked that she had wanted you.
She's the beauty in your darkness, the spring in your cold winter, and the heart that you call home.
And, unbelievably, she's yours.